It appears like a terrific deal: Buy this furnace, and we’ll give you an AC for free!

Who doesn’t love something that’s free, right?

Companies that dangle enticing deals like buying a furnace and getting an air conditioner for free usually make customers think they're going to hit the jackpot. But, it's essential to view these offers carefully. Often, what sounds like a very good deal at first may not be so wonderful in the long run. Shady companies might inflate the prices of their products or incorporate hidden costs to make up for the discount that initially draws you in.

Remember the well-known saying: there’s no such thing as a free lunch. Well, in the HVAC industry, there aren’t very many air conditioners that are really free when all is said and done

Watch out for the Not-So-Free AC

A supposedly "free" AC could come at the expense of shelling out for higher installation fees or purchasing expensive supplementary services. It's crucial for buyers to meticulously assess the overall cost and terms before falling for such promotions. One way to protect yourself is to obtain a second opinion from a reputable HVAC company, such as Diedrick's Heating and Air Conditioning, and review prices of the entire installation.

Below are a couple of the ways a “free” AC could come back to bite your wallet

  • Inflated product prices: Some companies may enhance the cost of their merchandise to cover for the "free" AC or service they're offering. This can make the overall cost of the package much higher than it first appears.
  • Concealed installation fees: Although the air conditioner might be free, buyers may encounter unanticipated installation charges that aren't clearly stated in the advertised offer. These costs can greatly increase the full cost of the system.
  • Mandatory additional services: To recoup the cost of the supposedly free item they are giving you, companies may require customers to buy additional services or plans at exaggerated prices. These kinds of things can quickly add up.
  • Push for premium upgrades: Companies sometimes will pressure customers to upgrade components of the HVAC system at a higher cost, saying it will re